The word was in the streets of Brisbane this Thursday, the start of Keith Urban’s three-night stadium tours titled “Graffiti U”. Kicking off the night we had Julia Michaels. The American pop star hit the stage letting everyone know she was out to get the whole place dancing. Known for some of the biggest names in pop such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Shawn Mendez she performed her original version of the songs to get the crowd singing along.
The lights later dimmed as Keith entered the arena for his massive two-and-a-half-hour set. ‘Never Comin Down’, and ‘Days Go By’ blast into action sending everyone straight to their feet. Keith starting strong closely followed by Julia being invited back up on stage to sing Coming Home. Through the whole night, the stage was constantly changing leaving the audience continuously awaiting the next shocking transformation. The multi-screen backdrop allowed for the visuals to add a wow factor to the whole performance. In ‘Long Hot Summer’ the centre screens above Keith’s head raised revealing another massive diamond-shaped screen. While all this was happening Keith was delivering a face melting guitar solo that lasted for at least 5 minutes. Mr Urban showing off his years of experience on the axe had everyone in awe.
Julia Michael returns to the stage and both Keith and Julia join for another duet. This time a cover of 5 Seconds of Summer ‘Lie to me’. As the night progressed and the band was introduced it was very apparent the whole band was very skilled at all their instruments, and somehow had amazing voices as well.
The night continues as Keith makes his way off the main stage through a shocked crowd to a stage which he had at the back of the stadium bringing the whole stadium together where he performed ‘Kiss a Girl’, ‘Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me’, and many others. The real shocker was at the end of his performance of ‘You Look Good in My Shirt’ Keith chooses a little girl from the crowd, signs his guitar, and gives it to the girl! Cementing himself as the Brisbane’s most favourite country-pop superstar in many people’s eyes. As he makes his way through the crowd being greeted by a whole stadium of happy faces he performs ‘Gone Tomorrow, ‘John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16’ and ‘Wasted Time’ before he leaves the stage with a mass release of confetti.
Greeted by a Keith Urban in a Maroons jumper he strums his guitar back into action for his encore where he plays ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, ‘Texas Home’, and ‘Horses’ to send everyone off and to complete a magical night of country music.